Parties

Parties

Does the Bible give any instructions in planning a party? Yes – this can include a banquet, party or celebration. Take a look at Luke 14:13-14 to see what Jesus says should be in the planning stages. “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” That means your birthday parties, pizza parties, etc, should be occasions where even the most unpopular kids in your school, church or neighborhood should be invited.

So, what’s the big deal about caring for the unpopular kids? Jesus gives the answer Himself in Matthew 25:40, NIV. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least brothers of mine, you did for Me.’”

Is there an example in the Bible of someone who actually did this? Yes, you’ll find it in Galatians 4:14, NIV. “Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Himself.”

Even King David invited a handicapped young man to be the permanent guest at his table. You can read about it in 2 Samuel 9:7, NKJV. “So David said to him, "Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."

Jesus was known for eating at the homes of unpopular people. He did it to show them that they were valuable in God’s sight and just as important as the popular people. Read about one of those times in Matthew 9:10-13, TLB. “Later, as Jesus and his disciples were eating dinner [at Matthew’s house], there were many notorious swindlers there as guests! The Pharisees were indignant. "Why does your teacher associate with men like that?" "Because people who are well don’t need a doctor! It’s the sick people who do!" was Jesus’ reply. Then he added, "Now go away and learn the meaning of this verse of Scripture, ‘It isn’t your sacrifices and your gifts I want – I want you to be merciful.’ For I have come to urge sinners, not the self-righteous, back to God."